The Annapurna-Circuit

On one of the most beautiful treks in the world: the Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit (Annapurna Round) is probably the best known, most popular and at the same time Nepal’s most diversified trekking route (long distance footpath). The complete round (about 18-21 days) is also suitable for less experienced hikers if they are assisted by an experienced guide, and is considered one of the most beautiful routes in the world. You pass besides the tropics all climate zones, you climb up high (at 5416 m at the pass Thorong La), have a great view of some 8000ers of the Himalayas (eg Dhaulagiri Himal, 8167m; Annapurna 8091 m) and can, at best, not only get to know the country but also the people!

Some Impressions of the Annapurna-Circuit

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

All photos were shot on a wonderful tour in 2012.

The road and its variants: From the small to the large round or at least a trip to one of the highest located lakes in the world?

Most trekkers usually start either from the city Besisahar (780 m) or skip a daily stage and take the delayed entry into Bhulbhule (840 m). From these locations, you then usually keep going counterclockwise since acclimatization is better achieved through this direction. This is particularly necessary for the pass at the Thorong La. Right here, the Annapurna Circuit should not be underestimated! Throughout much of the trek at the Annapurna the route leads initially through agricultural area. Throughout the whole round the character of the landscape changes strongly and proves to be extremely rich in variety. It leads through (fairytale) forests, small villages and sacred places and with the Thorong La, it also leads on a high mountain pass (the geographically highest point). The regular goal is reached after good three weeks and about 210 kilometers in Nayapul.

One of the most popular variations leads to Tilicho Lake (4920 m). For this route you must leave the regular path in Manang and opt for one of two possible ways. The Upper Route initially leads up to 4700 m and thereafter again 700 m down (the Internet describes it as sensible choice for a good acclimatization). On the Lower Route you walk over a long time at a constant height, but it has steep scree fields with a higher risk of falling rocks. An overnight stay is possible in the Tilicho Base Camp Lodge.

As an alternative to a complete round, smaller sections can be taken. For this purpose, it is useful, for example, to chose the exit in Jomsom and come by bus or plane to Pokhara (please look this up in the internet for more information). Another exit and entry point can be found in Tatopani (also reachable by bus). From here a shortened tour for example to Nayapul would be possible. Certainly there are more variants possible and in the concrete planning Ram can also answer questions on the feasibility or even offer suggestions.

Meals and accommodation

Along the Circuit are numerous tea- and guest houses. Logistically there are no problems with the provision of food along the trek and it is therefore not necessary to bring food by yourself. Because most things are carried up by hand by the people, the nature remains amazingly untouched from of the relatively strong use (no lifts, very little streets). Nepal is setting an example: you can make nature accessible even without needless destruction for many people to access and even an economic use has left no lasting damage (not to compare with the heavily built Alps!).

Apart from that dal bhat is particularly recommended! The Nepalese pizzas and other European dishes do not taste very good and are also more expensive. Also: you also want to get to know the country with regard to the culinary side! The accommodations are simply decorated. The showers, if there are any, are heated with solar technology. Otherwise, a Wi-Fi is often offered but it rarely works. There is often electricity, sometimes you have to queue for the socket, however, or pay a small fee for the charge. Generally, the higher the more expensive room and food will be (for current prices please check the internet).

Tips for the equipment: Do not forget about the permit and don’t forget warm clothing!

For trekking in the Annapurna region you need a permit, including 3 recent passport pictures (ACAP). The Permit can be bought in Pokhara or Kathmandu (about $ 20) and is also controlled along the route! If you want to travel alone, but this is not recommended for several reasons, you need additional a TIMS registration (about $ 20). Otherwise you need a normal sleeping bag (at many lodges you can borrow blankets at low temperatures) and for higher elevations warm clothing (hat and gloves). For large parts of the route normal trekking shoes would be enough, for and on the Thorong La pass, mountain boots with high shaft are necessary.